At least this time Belgium can say that they provoked a genuinely brilliant response from France. The last meeting between these countries begat rancour, with Belgium grumbling about the negativity of Didier Deschamps’s team after losing 1-0 in the 201…
Nevada judge recommends dismissal of Cristiano Ronaldo rape case
Case goes back to allegation of assault in 2009Las Vegas judge says legal team used stolen documentsA magistrate judge in Nevada has sided with Cristiano Ronaldo’s lawyers against a woman who sued the footballer after saying he raped her in Las Vegas i…
‘English football will sell itself to anyone’: human rights groups on Saudi-Newcastle deal
Condemnation of £300m takeover led by group founded by murdered journalist Jamal KhashoggiNewcastle United has sold its name and reputation to a brutal government run by a brutal ruler, the organisation founded by the murdered journalist Jamal Khashogg…
Newcastle’s Saudi takeover will cause faux morality of football to collapse | Barney Ronay
Premier League has become a soft power tool, but is it sensible to sell that capacity to whichever state happens to be passing?Welcome, Mohammed bin Salman, to the billionaire boys club. No need to wipe your feet. Although maybe, on reflection, do wash…
Amnesty urges Premier League to block Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle
Saudis ‘sportswashing their appalling human rights record’Charity wants change to league’s owners’ and directors’ testThe Premier League has been urged to consider Saudi Arabia’s “appalling” human rights record before it gives the green light to the Sa…
Next Generation 2021: 60 of the best young talents in world football
From ‘the next Alphonso Davies’ to Dortmund’s Moukoko, we pick 60 of the most talented players born in 2004. Check the progress of class of 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015Support our journalism from as little as £2 a month Continue reading……
Ferran Torres double sweeps Spain past Italy and into Nations League final
So this is how it feels. After three years in charge, having claimed a European Championship and set a new world record, Roberto Mancini finally tasted defeat. After 37 games unbeaten going back to Portugal in September 2018, Italy lost at last. Two fi…
Late Harder strike denies Wolfsburg and snatches point for Chelsea
A stoppage-time goal from forward Pernille Harder earned Chelsea a point against her former team Wolfsburg after a period of calamitous defending looked to have handed the German team victory in the Champions League.“They aren’t tactical problems, they…
Iñaki Williams: ‘My parents crossed the desert barefoot to get to Spain’ | Sid Lowe
The striker tells of his parents’ remarkable journey, rejecting Ghana and playing a record 203 league games in a row“We were at home one day in Bilbao watching the television when something came on – I can’t remember exactly what – and I asked her agai…
Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle imminent after 18-month wrangle
Mike Ashley’s 14-year-old ownership of the club set to endPremier League assured Saudi state will not be involvedA Saudi Arabian-led consortium is close to finally taking over Newcastle United and ending Mike Ashley’s 14-year ownership of the club, wit…